This marks the first time since 1990 that Hilton has had a presence in Birmingham.  Formerly a Sheraton hotel, the Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park is situated in Birmingham�s most prestigious and fastest growing business and entertainment districts, with an abundance of shopping and fine restaurants just minutes from the hotel.  �Hilton is proud to return to one of the South�s most progressive and friendly cities with the addition of another great full-service Hilton hotel," said Robert E. Dirks, senior vice president � brand management & marketing for the Hilton brand.  "We look forward to complementing the efforts of the local hotel team with the strength of our global marketing, sales and technology

Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park  8 Perimeter Drive  Birmingham, Alabama

The hotel will continue to be owned by RFS Hotel Investors (NYSE: RFS), managed by Flagstone Hospitality Management and operated under a franchise license agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. 

"We are proud to be the owner of the only full-service Hilton hotel in greater Birmingham,� said Randy Churchey, president and COO of RFS Hotel Investors.  �We expect that our customers will enjoy world-class service from our professional staff, and exceptional comforts from our recently completed $1.5 million renovation."

Each of the Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park�s 205 guest rooms, including two suites and an executive floor, feature in-room coffee service, hair dryers and irons/ironing boards as well as a work desk with dual-line telephones and dataports, weekday USA Today? newspaper delivery and interactive guest and entertainment services through the room�s 27-inch televisions.

The hotel also features a collection of nine moderately sized meeting rooms with more than 13,000 square feet of reception and function space, which is perfectly suited for corporate meetings and special gatherings of up to 300 people.

The Hilton also will continue to offer the finest in casual dining for visitors to the Birmingham area. 
J. Paul�s restaurant combines American cuisine with a contemporary flair.  Under the watchful eye of executive chef Ted Roman, J. Paul�s features special culinary events such as weekly wine-tastings and themed buffets to complement the tantalizing offerings on the regular breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.

For the fitness-minded, the hotel offers an outdoor, heated pool and a 24-hour fitness room. Some of the South�s finest golf courses and tennis facilities also are located just minutes from the hotel.

The hotel will continue to offer complimentary shuttle service to businesses within a five-mile radius of the hotel, as well as complimentary shuttle service to and from the Birmingham International Airport with advance reservations. 

Members of the Hilton HHonors guest reward program can earn Points & Miles for every qualifying stay at the Hilton Birmingham Perimeter Park.  Hilton HHonors provides more rewarding choices than ever before with more than 70 major airline, car rental and other travel-related companies.

�Our entire hotel team is proud to begin 2003 with a new name, a new look and a bright future as a Hilton hotel,� said Craig Hulford, hotel general manager.  �We believe that although the Hilton name will certainly attract corporate and business travelers, who represent a major portion of our market, our hotel and its location also will welcome families and recreational travelers making their way to and through Greater Birmingham.� 

Hilton Hotels Corporation develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,000 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties.